Keepers of Story Cloths
The Hmong are an ethnic group from the mountainous regions of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Known for intricate story cloths (paj ntaub) depicting history and cultural narratives, the Hmong practiced slash-and-burn agriculture and maintained animist spiritual traditions. After assisting the United States during the Vietnam War, many Hmong faced persecution and fled as refugees, creating significant diaspora communities in the U.S., France, and Australia while maintaining strong cultural identity.
Paj Ntaub - Story Cloths & Embroidery
Paj ntaub (pronounced "pa ndau") means "flower cloth" in Hmong, referring to the intricate embroidery and appliqué techniques passed down through generations. Traditional needlework features vibrant geometric patterns, symbolic motifs, and narrative scenes depicting Hmong history, folk tales, and daily life. After the Vietnam War, story cloths emerged as a unique art form, with Hmong women creating detailed embroidered narratives documenting their experiences—village life, war, escape, and resettlement. These textiles serve as both artistic expression and historical record, preserving Hmong cultural memory through needle and thread.
New Year Celebrations: The Hmong New Year marks the end of harvest season and beginning of the new lunar year. Celebrations feature vibrant traditional clothing, ball-tossing courtship games, music, dancing, and elaborate feasts. The festival strengthens community bonds and preserves cultural traditions, especially important for diaspora communities maintaining connections to Hmong heritage.
This page celebrates the Hmong—mountain people who create stunning story cloths, maintain rich oral traditions, and preserve cultural identity across continents despite persecution, displacement, and challenges of diaspora life.
Image Gallery
Explore visual documentation of culture, traditions, and daily life through these carefully curated images from Wikimedia Commons.
Traditional Hmong paj ntaub (story cloth) depicting cultural narratives and historical events
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Hmong woman in traditional dress with intricate embroidery and silver jewelry
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Hmong New Year celebration featuring traditional ball tossing courtship ritual
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Traditional Hmong village in the mountains of Southeast Asia
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Intricate Hmong embroidery patterns passed through generations of women
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Hmong man playing the qeej (reed pipe), traditional instrument used in ceremonies
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)